“Painting” with Machine Embroidery
Two day to two weeks workshop. This is the class I am asked to do most often. (All levels, zigzag sewing machine needed.)
Students explore imagery and/or surface embellishment using a basic sewing machine. Emphasis is on creating a surface saturated with layers of threads. My process of using heat-transfer images will be covered. Individual styles of "mark making" are stressed, using shading, hatching, and color mixing. Ideas for designing, techniques for troubleshooting, and options for finishing are discussed. After initial exercises, attention is given to developing individual ideas and projects. Students may work two or three dimensionally. Computerized sewing machine-controlled patterns will not be covered.
Longer description:
Students of all levels explore the use of the sewing machine for imagery and surface design. After a few beginning exercises designed to help students understand the process, students work on individual projects. Students should bring designing materials for their projects. Design materials will vary with each individual. Supplies might include such things as paints, markers, colored paper, magazine pictures, colored pencils, glue, etc. After designing, students will sketch out their designs on cotton canvas with acrylic or fabric paint, and then develop their idea with thread. In addition students may work with heat transfer images, fabric collage, and other materials according to their wish. My process of using heat-transfer images will be covered. Emphasis will be on creating a surface saturated with layers of threads. Individual styles of "mark-making" through shading, hatching, and visually mixing thread colors will be stressed. Cotton canvas and paint will be supplied, but students may experiment with other materials. Techniques for accommodating large pieces, techniques for troubleshooting and options for finishing and mounting will be discussed. There will be informal discussions about developing ideas. Students may work either three-dimensionally or two-dimensionally.
Students should bring their own sewing machines. The machine should be in good working order. The machine should be able to lower its feed dogs and needs a darning or a free style embroidery foot.
Materials supplied to the class:
10 oz cotton canvas, acrylic paints, Wonder Under, white poly/cotton broadcloth, photocopied handouts, dissolvable fabric (optional), heat transfer paper (optional), transfer crayons (optional)
Materials I bring to share (no cost to students):
Some fine and regular weight thread
Books, samples, and pamphlets relating to machine embroidery
Screw drivers, pliers, tape, tracing paper, glue, machine oil, fabric scraps, yarn, and markers
Materials that I can bring for sale (at cost) in the classroom:
Extra machine needles
Several styles of generic darning feet